The World Trade Center New Orleans (WTCNO) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Innovation Norway, the Norwegian Government’s organization for supporting innovation, industry development and international business growth. The parties say the agreement establishes a strategic partnership to expand cooperation in clean technology, maritime innovation, workforce readiness and global trade opportunities between Louisiana and Norway. 

Innovation Norway, owned by Norway’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries and the nation’s county authorities, supports entrepreneurs and enterprises across the country and seeks to accelerate  clean technology and sustainable economic development. 

The partnership establishes a three-year framework to advance shared goals, including in clean and green technology for transportation, logistics, energy generation, and other emerging sectors within the maritime and port infrastructure space. It will also foster the exchange of commercial, regulatory, and market information to support business development in both regions. The two also seek to promote trade, investment, and workforce initiatives including business roundtables, trade missions, and best-practice sharing between Louisiana and Norway. 

"As global trade becomes more unpredictable and marked by rising tensions, international cooperation is more important than ever," said Kathrine Langjord commercial counsellor, Houston, of Innovation Norway.